Dental Implants · San Diego · Clairemont
Dental Implants in San Diego: What I Tell My Patients
Hi, I'm Dr. Robair Aldaya. I've placed and restored dental implants in San Diego since 2018. People call our office with the same questions every week. Missing tooth. Loose denture. Afraid it will hurt. Afraid of the cost. This page is my straight answer.
What is a dental implant?
Think of a implant like a strong root for a fake tooth. We put a small titanium post in your jawbone. When the bone heals around it, we attach a crown on top. It looks and works like a real tooth. You brush it. You eat with it. It stays put.
We do this work at Million Dollar Smile in Clairemont (San Diego 92117). One team plans it, places it, and finishes the crown. You are not sent all over town.
Who is a good fit?
- You lost one tooth (accident, decay, or it never grew in).
- You lost several teeth and do not want a removable partial.
- Your denture slips when you talk or eat.
- You have enough bone, or we can build bone with a graft first.
The only way to know for sure is an exam and 3D scan. I would rather tell you the truth up front than sell you something you do not need.
Does it hurt?
During surgery you should not feel pain. We numb the area. Many people choose sedation if they are nervous. After surgery you may feel sore for a few days, like after a tooth pulled. Most patients tell me it was easier than they feared.
How long does it take?
The visit to place one implant is often about one to two hours. Then you wait while the bone heals, usually three to six months. After that we place the final crown. Yes, it takes patience. The trade-off is a tooth that can last decades with good care.
What about full arches (All-on-4)?
If you are missing all or most teeth on the top or bottom, we may use several implants to hold a full set of fixed teeth. Some patients get temporary teeth the same day as surgery. Every mouth is different. We use the scan to pick the plan that fits your bone.
Learn more about our implant options →
Real smiles from our office
Drag the slider on each photo to see before and after. These are actual patients treated at our San Diego office. Results vary. Your plan may include implants, crowns, veneers, or a mix. We will map that out together.
Case 1 - Full smile restoration
Case 2 - Cosmetic & restorative work
Case 3 - Smile makeover
What patients have told us
These reviews are from Google. We did not edit their words.
“I got veneers on my top teeth and had a couple implants done and I am so happy and satisfied! The best dentist and the best staff. They did a wonderful job. Best dentist in Clairemont, San Diego!”
“I'm so glad I picked this place for my dental treatments. I had six crowns done and each time you can absolutely tell they're highly experienced. Thank you to the entire crew, the doctors, assistants, and the front desk ladies (especially Maria, she's so nice and her customer service skills are top notch).”
“I've been seeing Dr. Robair for years and he is the best dentist. I trust him with keeping my smile beautiful and my teeth and gums healthy. He's so kind and the environment is beautiful. The staff is amazing. I highly recommend Dr. Robair Aldaya!”
My advice before you decide
- Get a scan so we see your bone, not just a guess from an x-ray.
- Ask what happens if you wait. Bone can shrink when a tooth has been gone a long time.
- Ask about payment plans if cost is the blocker. We offer financing for many cases.
- Pick a team you trust. Implants are a long-term relationship, not a one-day fix.
Ready to talk?
Call us at (858) 412-5777 or request an appointment online. I or someone on my team will walk you through options with no pressure.
Dr. Robair Aldaya, DDS · Million Dollar Smile · Clairemont, San Diego